Staining pine to match

[Marthasfishbowl]

I've bought this for my son's room to display lego kits (the 3x2 unit). The rest of the furniture looks more like [[http://compare.ebay.co.uk/like/250828657094?var=lv

is it made of pine planks, or a pine effect coating on some kind of board? Is it varnished, or what?

I gather you want it to be a bit browner, is that right?

Thanks for replying. Yes, browner. It's planks of pine - think it's unfinished.

if it is bare, untreated wood, you can clean it with white spirit then apply Colron wood dye to your preferred colour followed by a clear (preferably satin) varnish. Colron is available in numerous colours. There will probably be own-brands in fewer coplours but cheaper.

if it is already varnished or stained you will have to use a tinted varnish or stain. The more coats you apply the darker it will get. Sand lightly before you start, and if necessary between coats to remove snots, hairs and dead flies (very fine). The shop or shed will usually have a sample board showing how each colour will look. Something like this Apply thin coats.

it will be easier, and you will get a better job, if you take it apart and treat the pieces before reassembling. You can do it in the garden if you have one, on a non-windy day with no dust or grit blowing up.

A friend who had a pine furniture business recommended to me this kind of stain to get a natural brown look - often stains sold as antique pine are very orange/yellow. You can then wax over it with clear wax so you have a surface you can polish similar to your other furniture.

Just wanted to thank you both. Job done and I'm really pleased with it.